Jerusalem U is committed to strengthening the emotional and intellectual connection of young Jews to Judaism and Israel. It does this through innovative approaches to Jewish and Israel education, specifically the creative use of powerful, informative and provocative films -distributed via the Internet, social media, television, grassroots campaigns and partnerships with mainstream pro-Israel and Jewish organizations.

Cinema: The Jewish Lens

Quentin Tarantino is not Jewish. However, his latest movie, the pseudo-Western fantasy Django Unchained flipped, bludgeoned, and skirted a myriad of issues that Jews have been grappling with for thousands of years: love, revenge, oppression and freedom.

Cinema: The Jewish Lens takes you behind the scenes with popular Hollywood personalities, film critics, professors and rabbinic scholars for a unique perspective on how common film genres, cinematic themes, characters and plot lines relate to Jewish philosophy and tradition.

We guarantee you'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll think.

3+ hours total

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Love At First Sight

33m

Judy Garland once said, “It was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.” Love is more than a romantic glance across the dance floor; it is the driving force that unites our souls. Find out where Judaism places love in the narrative of our lives.

Heroes in Action: Leaders & Superheroes

36m

On the surface, Spiderman is a hero in a red costume who swings from buildings and saves the day. But is there more to the story? Explore the psyche of action heroes from the Jewish perspective, and discover what makes ordinary people become great leaders.

The Wild West Returns: Personal Growth

35m

John Wayne said, “Never apologize, Mister, it’s a sign of weakness.” Is this true? From the Wild Bunch to the Duke, explore the concepts of growth and change in Western films. Through this genre, learn what Judaism says about personal struggle and strength.

The Comedy of Conflict: Suffering

36m

Seinfeld, Stiller and Jack Black will make you laugh until you cry. But if you look beyond the laughs, comedies are complex and usually centered around conflict and pain. Why? Discover the Jewish perspective on pain and suffering while unraveling the mysteries of the conflict of comedy.

Cinema: The Jewish Lens

6 videos

Quentin Tarantino is not Jewish. However, his latest movie, the pseudo-Western fantasy Django Unchained flipped, bludgeoned, and skirted a myriad of issues that Jews have been grappling with for thousands of years: love, revenge, oppression and freedom.

The Israel Course: Biblical, Historical, and Modern Perspectives

8 videos

The Israel Course is 7-Part film series about the Holy Land that provides accurate historical and current information and resources to connect you to the Jewish People and receive the knowledge to support Israel and defend her.

Israel Inside Film

3 videos

'ISRAEL INSIDE, How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference', tells the story of a flourishing, productive and caring society. Sidestepping the usual conversation of politics, conflict and violence, the film highlights the spirit of the people of Israel, which has brought this tiny country to the f...